NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

More functional refineries ‘ll crash fuel prices – Expert

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By Emmanuella Anokam
An eonomic expert, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu says the coming on stream of more refineries in the country is expected to crash the prices of petroleum products.
Ekechukwu, the Chief Executive Officer, Dignity Finance and Investment Ltd. said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to him, this is in view of the re-streaming of the Warri Refinery.
Ekechukwu, who was skeptical on speaking about the functionality of the Warri refinery due to recent controversy and criticism surrounding the workability of the Port Harcourt Refinery, however, observed that there would be free market economy.
NAN reports that the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) in Warri, Delta State, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) commenced operations on Monday, after years of being moribund.
The 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) Warri refinery, which was currently operating at 60 per cent of installed capacity, resumed operations after the NNPC Ltd. restarted the 60,000 bpd old Port Harcourt refinery in November.
Though the prices of petroleum products had been staggering, but recently, Dangote refinery reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its loading gantry, to sell at N935 per litre at retail outlets nationwide.
The NNPC Ltd. had also announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol from N1,020 to N899 per litre, which is expected to trigger price war among marketers.
Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, Economist/Chief Executive Officer, Dignity Finance and Investment Ltd.
The expert, while reacting to the awaited industry competition and economic potency of the coming on stream of Warri, Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries in the country foresaw more innovations.
“Free market economy means that there should be free entry and free exit. It also brings competition and prices of goods and services lower.
“That is what competition does. In fact, more refineries should come on board, and that will force the prices lower in the long run.
“It leads to more innovations, better quality and standards.
“That is what  the existence of the refineries will bring on the table of downstream oil marketing in Nigeria.
“With the Dangote Refinery, Port Harcourt, Warri refineries and other modular refineries coming on stream, we are better for it as a country and as an economy,” he said.
He however said that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would also be enhanced while more employments would be created.
NAN reports that the Warri plant will focus on producing and storing critical products such as Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), Household Kerosene (HHK), Naphtha, and Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).
The plant, which is currently processing 75,000 barrels bpd which translates to 60 per cent of installed capacity, produces 2.9 million litres of diesel, 1.9 million litres of kerosene and 4.9 million litres of fuel oil.
NAN gathered that the production PMS, known as fuel will follow in the days ahead as other units of the refinery come on stream.
The 125,000bpd capacity Warri Refinery was commissioned in 1978.
It was shut down for rehabilitation in 2021 with Daewoo Engineering as the EPC contractor. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Assessing Yobe’s post-conflict economic recovery programmes

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Assessing Yobe’s post-conflict economic recovery programmes

By Rabiu Sani-Ali, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Yobe located in north-east Nigeria is being ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency, desert encroachment and other environmental challenges, a trend inhibiting sustainable social and economic development of the state.

With an estimated population of 3.6 million according to 2022 official records, over 75 per cent of the people engage in farming and animal rearing.

A substantial number of the inhabitants are engaged in local commercial activities leading to proliferation of village markets across the state.

Trading activities mainly on agricultural produce and livestock, especially in Potiskum, Nguru, Geidam, Yusufari, Gashua and Damaturu attract entrepreneurs from neighbouring states, as well as Niger and Chad.

Potiskum is one of leading cattle markets in West Africa, which suffered the brunt of the insurgents’ attacks in the past 10 years.

However, Yobe is not faring well in terms of the much-needed Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to stimulate infrastructure development to herald industrial and economic growth in spite of huge trade existing in major towns inYobe.

Yobe’s IGR in 2022 was N10.5 billion, making it one of the three lowest-performing states in Nigeria. The IGR has increased from N4.375 billion in 2018, to N8.515 billion in 2019, and N10.5 billion in 2022.

The improvement in IGR is attributable to the tax reforms being implemented by Gov. Mai Mala Buni since assumption of office in 2019.

To further build a sound foundation for rapid economic transformation, Buni initiated viable infrastructure development projects, agriculture and business support as well as youth and women empowerment programmes.

Postiskum

Potiskum modern market

The programmes, an integral part of the post-conflict recovery process, are designed to provide livelihoods, create jobs, reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation in the society, while encouraging industrial growth through public private partnerships.

To actualise his drive to transform the state’s economy via improved trade, the government constructed four modern markets with 3,200 shops in Potiskum, Damaturu, Nguru and Gashua.

Each of the markets was designed with 800 shops; 28 stores, a police station, parking slots, dumping sites, road network, a fire fighing unit, an administration block, etc.

An entrepreneur, Hashim Bomoi, said the establishment of the markets significantly provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He said the gesture would also boost trading activities and improved state’s revenue base.

In 2023, the Yobe government expended several billions of Naira on procurement and distribution of fertilisers, inputs, and equipment to small holder farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state.

More than 17,500 farmers each received fertilisers, seeds, chemicals, a planter, a power tiller, and knapsack sprayer, while a fleet of tractors and harvesters had been launched under a subsidised hiring scheme, to encourage agric mechanisation and boost productivity.

To encourage productivity, agriculture value addition, processing and export of cash crops, the Buni administration accomplished yet another milestone project by constructing a cargo airport, to ease transportation of agricultural produce and woo investors to the state.

Buni distributes free inputs/equipment to farmers

It has also completed the construction of a six-tonne per hour capacity sesame aggregation and processing plant in Machina town, while works on three other plants were at various stages of completion at Nguru, Potiskum and Damaturu.

Alhaji Kaigama Umar, Commissioner for Commerce, said that, “this is necessary because Yobe is a leading sesame producer in the country.

“The idea behind the establishment of sesame seed cleaning, processing and packaging factories was conceived by Mai Mala Buni shortly after assuming office.

“Factories like this accelerate industrialisation, which will help our farmers and enhance our IGR,” he said.

According to him, Yobe is the largest producer of sesame in the country, noting that the produce is being cultivated in a commercial quantity in Geidam, Yunusari, Nguru, Machina, among others.

He said sesame farmers in the areas would no longer have to travel to Kano to process their crops as the factory would be at their doorsteps.

“We are also inviting sesame farmers outside the state to come and take advantage of the facility,” he said.

The Buni administration prioritised promoting partnership with development partners, federal agencies and private sector to accelerate industrialisation of the state.

Fleet of tractors/harvesters

In this regard the state government has allocated 300 hectares of land to the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Agency (NEPZA), to support its activities, and establish its office close to the cargo airport.

“You should ensure efficient and speedy use of the land to enhance development.

“Government deliberately allocated the land to the agency close to the Cargo Airport, to stimulate trade and business activities in the state.

“You have great role to play in promoting export of agricultural produce including sesame seeds, gum arabic, livestock and other crops that are produced in great commercial quantities in the state,” Buni said while presenting Certificate-of-Occupancy to the NEPZA, Executive Secretary, Usman Bakori.

To further propel its development programme, the state entered into a similar partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), to enhance job creation for unemployed graduates.

Buni, who has expressed worry and shared the pain of unemployed youths, reiterated commitment to securing employment opportunities to the unemployed graduates, to enable them to meet the expectations of their families and live their lives with dignity and prosperity.

The government, therefore, began massive recruitment of unemployed university graduates, diploma holders, and National Certificate of Education graduates across the 178 wards in the state.

Buni believed that the youths trained by the state in various trades were not only gainfully employed but also employers of labour.

“This partnership occupies a very special place in the heart of our administration, and we are committed to secure more jobs for our youth.

“The government will explore the potential in each of the 17 local government areas to provide means of livelihood and economic prosperity to our youth,” he said.

Farmer support programme

Also, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said the agency would partner the state towards providing employment opportunities for unemployed graduates.

“SMEDAN will drive, stimulate and coordinate development of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Yobe state, to promote self-sufficiency.

“The partnership will provide the benefitting graduates with skills to accelerate self-employment for economic prosperity,” Odii said during a visit to Buni.

While consolidating on the gains of partnership with SMEDAN, the Buni administration sealed another cooperation agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA) on energy and agriculture development.

This followed successful negotiations, which focused on job creation and enhance security and infrastructure in the state.

The agreement seeks to encourage agricultural productivity, vocational training, infrastructural and energy development, as well as quality education and healthcare service delivery, and security to safeguard the environment.

Buni, who spoke at the signing of the agreement, said that, “we are passionate about agriculture being the major preoccupation of our people to improve food sufficiency, food security and economic development.

“Vocational training for our youth is another key sector to provide employment opportunities and economic growth in our reconstruction and recovery programme.

“The state government is also committed to improving the infrastructure to enhance socio-economic development in our quest to recover from the destruction by insurgency”.

He added that in spite of his administration’s huge investment in education, the sector still required more support in view of its capital intensive nature.

Dr Sidi Tah, the president of the bank, expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the state government in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery efforts after decades of Boko Haram insurgency.

“We are impressed with your efforts and commitment to improving the lives of your people, we are ready to partner with your state to improve on the achievements made,” the president assured.

Experts are of the view that the Yobe government needs to initiate comprehensive tax administration reforms, to block leakages and boost state revenue base, to sustain the feat so far achieved in the economic recovery process. (NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

Japa syndrome: ABUTH recruits 518 medical workers

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By Mustapha Yauri

The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching University (ABUTH), Zaria, says it has concluded arrangements to engage 518 health professionals, to mitigate the impact of medical brain drain and enhance healthcare service delivery.

Prof. Ahmed Umdagas, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria.

He said the hospital has a shortage of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers caused by the migration of healthcare professionals abroad, known as ‘Japa syndrome’.

Umdagas said the hospital had received over 7,500 applications at the expiration of the vacancy advertisement, while it got approval to recruit only 518 workers.

“We have completed the exercise and by the first quarter of 2025, the hospital will have additional 518 staff towards improving the human resources for health in the hospital.

“We believe that injecting this cohort of staff would greatly strengthen health outcomes in the facility,’’ he said.

On manpower development, Umdagas said the hospital trained 460 staff both local and overseas, geared towards improving health outcomes, adding that such training would improved in 2025.

According to Umdagas, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has trained staff members on better ways to improve patient care, adding that the facility was working towards strengthening partnership with key stakeholders to enhance health outcomes.

He said the hospital was collaborating with the University of Miami, USA, on the treatment of ovarian cancer, under which a research initiative would be conducted on 70 patients globally.

“Of the 70 patients ABUTH would assess 20 patients, 10 would be done at Bahamas and the remaining 40 would be assessed at the University of Miami’’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Stylish Aisha Buhari graces 2024 Calabar Carnival

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By Taiye Olayemi
Former First Lady Aisha Buhari on Saturday made a stunning appearance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party with an impeccable style and elegance.
Her presence added a touch of sophistication to the carnival, renowned for its colourful costumes, mesmerising performances, and infectious energy.
Mrs Buhari’s fashion sense was on point, as she donned a pink outfit that showcased her taste and style.
The former first lady sat at the VIP area with other dignitaries to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds as seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands thrilled revellers with series of performances.
Her attendance at the carnival showed her commitment to promoting Nigerian culture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governors AbdulRahman AbddulRasaq and Ahmed Ododo of Kwara and Kogi, members of the National Assembly and diplomats attended the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chidinma Agu/Mark Longyen

HIV: UN, ASWHAN unveil women empowerment project

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By Justina Auta
 UNWomen and the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN) have unveiled an empowerment initiative for women living with HIV.
The organisations extended the gesture to other vulnerable groups, empowering them with life skills and start-up packs to enhance their economic independence.
Mrs Helen Akpan, Assistant National Secretary, ASWHAN, said this during a two-day training on Friday in Abuja.
She said the exercise would alleviate the current hardship faced by members and provide them with source of livelihood.
“We are training women living with HIV and other vulnerable women with skills acquisition for sustainability and to alleviate poverty.
“This will help in sustaining household livelihood for these women and their children, especially amidst the dwindling economy, which has overwhelmed a lot of people’s financial capacity.
“There is a need for them to have skills and economic empowerment, which will take care of their nutrition, drugs and other hospital services required,” she said.
She said that 50 women in the FCT would be exposed to poultry farming, ice block business and other skills, adding that start-up packs and equipments would be given to them to facilitate the training they acquired.
According to her, the women will be grouped into clusters to form a cooperative, to enable them to access loans and other services to more financially independent.
 “This is going to be extended to other states because we want to change the narratives for our members regarding depending on others. It is one of the causes of Gender Based Violence (GBV),” she said.
Mr Martin-Mary Falana, a Consultant, said the participants would also be empowered on identifying profitable business opportunities, innovative ideas for marketing and selling
He said they would  be trained on how to form and manage a Village Savings and Loan (VSLA).
Falana said the women would be able to lay their hands on things that can improve their livelihood, especially as they will be given startup equipment to fend for themselves.
“It will also improve their socio economic development and ensure that they earn what they can use to fend for themselves and their younger ones, children and wards.
“They will also be grouped to form committee that will assist them with the VSLA, where they can make contributions and then gather it to help one another.
“This will go a long way to alleviate poverty, generate income and make them self reliant,” he said.
He encouraged other stakeholders to support vulnerable groups, while urging the participants to remain strong.
 ”Living with HIV is not the end of life. HIV does not have anything to do with their brain. They can still use their hand to do a lot of businesses.
“They need help from other financial institutions to bring down the cost of  interest in accessing loan so that they can do something with their lives,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Stella Ebeh-Obianuju stressed the need to empower women living with HIV, to make them less vulnerable and victims of GBV.
Ebeh-Obianuju, who is also the Coordinator, Hope Initiative (Mother’s to mother Support group), said that, “if we are empowered, we will be able to stand on our own, train our children, live a healthy and productive life.
“I believe that after this empowerment training, and with support, we will be able to stand on our own and be financial dependent, not relying on anyone,” she  said.
Amina Mohammed, another beneficiary, said the initiative would make her independent, and provide for her family, especially amidst the current economy challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

NAN MD promises improved working environment

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By Rita Iliya

Malam Ali M Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has promised to improve the working environment for the personnel of the agency. .

He spoke on Saturday when he visited the agency’s Minna Zonal office to assess its situation.

Ali was received by Alhaji Mohammed Bababusu, Zonal Manager in charge of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa.

He commended the zonal manager and members of staff for their resilience and dedication to work.

Ali reiterated his commitment to providing a conducive environment that befit the agency’s mandate, adding that: “I have seen the condition of the NAN Minna office, this structure is not befitting to staff of the agency to work.

“People need the right environment to work, and here is not the right environment. It is a shame that the agency still has structures like this.

“We will send our Engineers from Abuja to the Minna office to give us a professional assessment of what can be done.

“The agency would not leave any of its offices behind in terms of development.”

NAN MD, Ali M Ali flanks by staff of Minna zonal office

Ali said that a recent tour of offices in the North-East had provided valuable insights into the requirements for improvement.

The managing director also extolled the leadership of the zonal manager, saying, ”as the son of the soil, you are leveraging on your contacts for the glory of the agency.”

He, however, cautioned against joining local politics, warning that defaulters would be sanctioned, adding that, “NAN is a professional media organisation respected globally, and efforts were being made to reposition it”.

While reitrating commitment to the welfare of staff, Ali announced plans to establish a multimedia unit in the Minna office, deploy more workforce, and open district offices in Bida, Suleja, Kontagora and New Bussa.

He urged the staff to keep up the good work by focusing more on exclusive stories.

NAN MD, Ali M Ali inspects Minna zonal office

Earlier, Bababusu, thanked the managing director for the changes he has so far brought to the agency, particularly in the editorial department, adding that his achievements were visible across NAN offices.

“We have long wished for your visit to the NAN Minna office and I want to appeal for your regular visits to the zonal offices to address their challenges,” he said

Bababusu said that the Minna office required an overhaul, adding,” the current office space is not befitting.”

The zonal manager appealed for provisions to enable the zonal managers to periodically visit offices under their zones. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Bashir Rabe Mani

Port Harcourt refinery fully operational – NNPC

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), says the old Port Harcourt refinery is fully operational and preparation for Saturday loading operation is currently ongoing.

The NNPC Ltd. Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Soneye advised members of the public to discountenance false media reports that the refinery which was re-streamed in November has been shut down.

He described such reports as the figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip-off Nigerians.

”The attention of the NNPC Ltd. has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed has been shut down.

“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of NNPC.

“Preparation for the Saturday’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity refinery, which attained its mechanical completion in 2023, began its truck-out of petroleum products on Nov. 26, following its rehabilitation.

The development signaled the commencement of crude oil processing from the plant and petroleum products delivery to markets.

The resumption of the refinery followed a lot of skepticism and criticism from some critics alleging that the rehabilitated refinery was a scam.

Amid the controversy, some renowned Nigerians, marketers and society of engineers among others had toured the refinery and confirmed that it is operational.

The refinery, which is the country’s oldest and biggest among the three government-owned refineries and located in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, began operation in 1965. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Kano unveils anti-corruption strategy

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By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano state government has unveiled an Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024–2028), a comprehensive framework aimed at tackling corruption and promoting integrity.

The event was conducted with support of the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, being implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

The event coincided with the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), whuch has as its theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

The theme of the event highlights the vital role young people play as catalysts for change in the fight against corruption.

Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf undetscored the importance of addressing corruption, describing it as a cancer that erodes trust, undermines institutions, and hampers progress.

“Protecting human rights is at the heart of our administration’s agenda. We are committed to blocking systemic linkages, investigating corruption, and ensuring value for public funds,” he said.

Ibrahim Bello, RoLAC Coordinator in the state, reaffirmed commitment of the EU to support anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria.

“The European Union and International IDEA remain steadfast in their partnership with Nigeria to promote good governance, transparency and accountability. This strategy demonstrates what can be achieved through collective efforts.

“The governor is a formidable partner in the fight against corruption in the state. He has shown unwavering commitment by working with development partners to ensure a corruption free state,” he said.

The event featured debates, sensitisation and discussion sessions, aimed at fostering strong collaboration among stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

President Bola Tinubu

Ex-lawmaker lauds Tinubu for establishing southeast commission

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Former member of House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC) by President Bola Tinubu would spur economic and infrastructure development of the area.

He said that Tinubu had, by signing the SEDC bill into law, demonstrated genuine commitment to the development of the region in line with the post-civil war 3Rs.

At the end of the war in 1970, the then Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon initiated the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reintegration (3Rs) policy as a mechanism for healing the wounds.

“President Tinubu has touched a sensitive nerve to heal deep-seated wounds of the past.

“In all honesty, President Tinubu deserves special thanks from the people of South East, because for more than half a century.

“The scars of the civil war remained with us in terms of infrastructure despoliation, social disconnection and economic tribulation,” he said.

Onuigbo, who is member of North East Development Commission (NEDC), said the law had equipped the commission to intervene in a special way to address the infrastructure challenge in the area.

According to him, the SEDC has unique and specialised roles to play and promises to fulfil for the region after the intense devastations of the civil war.

Onuigbo, who reiterated his confidence in Tinubu administration, said successive military and civilian government’s failed where Tinubu was succeeding.

“The SEDC has come to remove the nagging feelings of distrust and socio-economic marginalisation among the people of South East.

“For rising to this historical challenge, special thanks should go to President Tinubu,” he said.

He, therefore, charged the pioneer members of SEDC to work extra hard with uncommon unity of purpose to lay a solid foundation for the commission by achieving great milestones.

The former house member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South federal constituency, urged the members to restore the past global rating of South East as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

He also commended the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly for rolling out the SEDC law.

According to him, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, succeeded in writing his name in gold by that momentous legislation.

“As one who sponsored the Climate Change Act 2021, I know the rigours, hurdles, and challenges of working any piece of impactful legislation through the various processes up to the signing stage.

“On this score, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu has justified his position as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and as a focused leader,” he said.

Onuigbo however appealed to the leadership of SEDC, and Ndigbo to join hands and support the Emeka Wogu-led members of the Governing Board of the commission to succeed.

“The success of the commission would be the greatest sign of the show of appreciation to President Tinubu for breaking the jinx and delivering this historic gesture,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bill for creation of the South East Development Commission was passed by the 10th Assembly and signed into law by Tinubu in July 2024.

Tinubu recently forwarded the names of members of the SEDC, to be headed by the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Emeka Wogu, to the Senate for screening and possible confirmation.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Play on Herbert Wigwe to be staged in Lagos Dec. 23

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By Peter Amine

A play on Herbert Wigwe, the late Managing Director of Access Bank, is to be staged in Lagos on Dec. 23.

The play produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, is to celebrate the late entrepreneur and development banker who died in a helicopter crash in the U.S.

“It is a powerful and evocative tribute to an icon; it is to be held at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre,” Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar, Managing Director of the foundation, said in a statement in Lagos on Saturday.

“Herbert, written by renowned columnist Joseph Edgar, brings to life the remarkable legacy of a man who profoundly impacted Nigeria’s arts and culture sector.

“Through a vibrant ensemble of monologues and storytelling, the play pays homage to Herbert Wigwe’s extraordinary contributions.

“During his influential career, Herbert Wigwe was a pivotal force behind transformative initiatives in the arts, supporting ventures in film, fine art, theatre and music.

“His leadership within the bankers’ committee played a significant role in the renovation of the National Theatre, a landmark project that redefined Nigeria’s entertainment infrastructure,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank, one of the largest banks in Nigeria, was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in California.

Wigwe, his wife, son, and a former president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, were all killed in the crash.

President Bola Tinubu, while reacting to the death of Wigwe, had described it as an “overwhelming tragedy”.

The chartered helicopter was on its way from Palm Springs to Boulder City in Nevada when it went down about 96km (60 miles) from Las Vegas.

According to Nigerian media, the 57-year-old banker was on his way to Las Vegas when the incident happened.

According to the San Bernardino county sheriff’s department, the crash site was near Nipton, on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve.

The weather was said to be poor, with reports of rain and snow showers in the area.

Wigwe founded Access Bank in 1989. It became the largest bank in Nigeria in 2018 after it acquired its main competitor, Diamond Bank.

In recent years, Wigwe had been working to expand across the continent, acquiring banks in countries including Kenya, South Africa and Botswana.

He was planning to open a new banking service in Asia in the first quarter of 2024.

Wigwe was in the process of starting his own educational institute, Wigwe University. It was set to launch in September 2024, in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, where he was from. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

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